Name: Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into cutlets (about 1/2-inch thick)); 1 cup Italian dressing (for marinating); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for seasoning); Salt and black pepper (to taste); 6 tablespoons butter (melted); 2 tablespoons minced garlic (fresh is best); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garlic butter sauce and finishing)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and loaded with garlicky, cheesy goodness — this Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is comfort food at its finest. A simple marinade, a light dusting of spices and Parmesan, and a buttery garlic finish create a dish that feels indulgent but is effortless to prepare. Fun fact: garlic and Parmesan have been dinner party heroes for decades — a little of each can turn a weeknight chicken dinner into something memorable. If you love quick family dinners that taste like they took longer than they did, this is for you.

This recipe stands out because it’s straightforward, quick to prep, and reliably loved by kids and adults alike. It’s a perfect alternative to our baked Caesar-style chicken if you’re looking for something cheesier and butter-forward — check out this variation for another weeknight favorite: Baked Caesar Chicken with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce. Ready to get started? You’ll be amazed how a few pantry staples transform into a dinner everyone asks for seconds of.

What is Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

What’s in a name? Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken pretty much tells the tasty tale: chicken baked to tender perfection, kissed with garlic and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Why call it that — is it dramatic? Maybe. Is it accurate? Absolutely. Who wouldn’t smile at a dish that promises garlic, butter, and Parmesan in every bite? After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this chicken aims to win hearts and empty plates. Try it and see why this straight-talking name sticks — then share your verdict with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This

This recipe is irresistible for three big reasons. First, the highlight is the garlicky butter + Parmesan topping that melts slightly under the heat to coat each chicken cutlet in savory, creamy flavor and a little crisp at the edges. Second, making it at home saves money compared to takeout or pre-made gourmet rotisserie options — chicken breasts, a bottle of Italian dressing, and Parmesan go a long way. Third, the flavor combo is familiar and crowd-pleasing: garlic, butter, and cheese are universally loved, and the light Italian marinade adds a tangy background note.

If you enjoy warm, cheesy chicken with bold flavors, it’s a great companion to other recipes on the blog like this sweet-and-savory baked garlic brown sugar chicken: Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken. Give this one a try tonight and you’ll see why it’s a fast favorite.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This dish is easy enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for casual guests. The chicken is marinated briefly for tang and tenderness, seasoned, baked until juicy, then finished with a flavorful garlic butter and extra Parmesan. Expect a creamy, slightly crispy finish and a satisfying savory aroma. Prep time: about 10 minutes active (plus 30 minutes marinating). Cook time: 20–30 minutes. Total time: 40–70 minutes depending on marinating.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into cutlets (about 1/2-inch thick)
1 cup Italian dressing (for marinating)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for seasoning)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
6 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons minced garlic (fresh is best)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garlic butter sauce and finishing)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into cutlets by placing each breast flat and slicing horizontally to make two thinner pieces. Place the cutlets in a zip-top bag or a bowl and pour in 1 cup Italian dressing. Seal or cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and place a wire rack on top. The wire rack allows air circulation so the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nicer texture.
Season the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Lay the cutlets on a plate and sprinkle both sides with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently rub the seasonings so the cheese and spices stick.
Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken cutlets on the wire rack, spaced slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Thinner cutlets will be on the shorter end of the time range.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt 6 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons minced garlic and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until smooth and fragrant. Keep warm.
Baste & Finish: During the last few minutes of baking, brush the garlic butter sauce generously over each piece of chicken. Return to the oven for 2–4 minutes so the sauce melds and the edges get slightly golden.
Serve: Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist. Serve with pasta, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables.

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

What to Serve With

Pair this chicken with sides that balance the rich, garlicky flavors. Options include:

Buttered pasta or garlic linguine for a classic combo
A simple Caesar or mixed green salad for freshness
Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for extra comfort
A crusty baguette to mop up any leftover garlic butter

Choose a light, acidic side like lemony greens if you want to cut through the richness, or serve with creamy sides to double down on comfort.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Substitute or Swap: If you don’t have Italian dressing, use a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. For a lower-fat option, use 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons low-fat yogurt for marinating.
Timing: Thinner cutlets cook faster — check internal temperature at 18 minutes. If marinating overnight, reduce salt slightly to avoid oversalting from the dressing.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle heat, or stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.
Avoid Dryness: Do not overbake. Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at 165°F (74°C) to ensure juiciness.
Crisp Finish: For a slightly crisp top, broil for 1–2 minutes after basting, watching closely to prevent burning.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. To preserve texture, warm on a baking sheet in the oven rather than the microwave. If using a microwave, cover loosely and reheat in short intervals to avoid drying out.
Sauce Tip: If the garlic butter solidifies in the fridge, warm gently and spoon over chicken before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless thighs work great and stay extra moist. Adjust cooking time slightly; thighs may need a few extra minutes.

Do I need to marinate overnight?
No, but marinating for at least 30 minutes adds tang and tenderness. Overnight marinating gives the best flavor, but 30 minutes will still produce tasty results.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute dairy-free Parmesan and use olive oil instead of butter for the sauce. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

How can I make the topping crispier?
Broil for 1–2 minutes after basting, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Alternatively, add panko crumbs mixed with a little melted butter and sprinkle on top before the final bake.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?
Yes. Baked chicken freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer, or wrap tightly. Reheat from thawed in the oven for best texture.

Conclusion

This Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a dependable weeknight hero — simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and brimming with garlicky, cheesy flavor that pleases the whole family. It’s forgiving for beginner cooks and quick enough for busy evenings, yet delicious enough to serve to guests. If you want to compare techniques or try another trusted version, see this tested recipe on Cakescottage for a similar take: Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Cakescottage. For more variations and user-tested tips, you can also review this classic version: Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to share how it turned out with friends or family.